Do I need a light meter

**maxfield_photo** · 02-24-2013, 07:42 PM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Originally posted by reivax

So the wireless only works with Pocketwizard? Does Pocketwizard even make triggers for Pentax?

Sekonic meters have a small recess where you can install a Pocket Wizard radio transmitter, or you can buy it preinstalled at the time of purchase. I'm not aware of any other brand of transmitter that can be installed there. The transmitter will allow you to trigger any strobe connected to a Pocket wizard device remotely, and with the 478 model you even have control over the output of certain lights.

The basic Pocket Wizard I, II and III are simple center-pin sync triggers, that is, they don't relay any TTL information and so they are brand agnostic, thus they will work with Pentax. Pocket Wizard makes another system called the MiniTT1 which is used in conjunction with the FlexTT5 to give TTL controls to Canon and Nikon flash systems. They send proprietary signals, which allows the camera to adjust the power levels based on the preflash exposure. These are brand specific, there is a Canon TT1 and a Nikon TT1, and a Canon TT5 and a Nikon TT5. I suspect that in order to use the ratio controls of the Sekonic 478, you would need at least the TT5 transceiver and the appropriate speed lights. What I don't know is whether the TT5s will work in manual flash mode. When I got to play with the 478 it seemed like all the exposure controls were in EV steps as they relate to "proper" exposure, i.e. you could set Group A to +1 and Group B to -2, but I didn't find a way to set group A to half power, and group B to quarter power. That would be necessary for the system to work with a Pentax camera since it has no way of communicating "proper" exposure to Canon or Nikon speedlights. It's possible that I just didn't find the way to switch to manual control, it is quite a complex gadget.

As far as the 358 vs. the 478, I do like the simplicity of the 358, but the 478 is a considerably more robust unit, and if it's the same price as you say, it would be the better value. It has, to my knowledge, all the features of the 358 plus the above mentioned TTL controls over Canon and Nikon speedlight with the PW system, and it can use the Sekonic camera profiling software to create custom profiles for each lens in your bag. Of course the 358 has been around for a long time, and you'll have a much easier time finding a used one than the brand new 478. I'd say either one is a good choice.

omega leader · 02-24-2013, 08:23 PM

Pocketwizard and TTL ability means less and less with real strobes vs speedlights. Switching to big lights has been liberating (Dynalite) and I've found that I can still take them out very easily. That being said having a light meter is essential in my opinion. Properly exposed shots are so much easier to deal with in PP.

reivax · 02-24-2013, 08:55 PM

Originally posted by maxfield_photo

As far as the 358 vs. the 478, I do like the simplicity of the 358, but the 478 is a considerably more robust unit, and if it's the same price as you say, it would be the better value. It has, to my knowledge, all the features of the 358 plus the above mentioned TTL controls over Canon and Nikon speedlight with the PW system, and it can use the Sekonic camera profiling software to create custom profiles for each lens in your bag. Of course the 358 has been around for a long time, and you'll have a much easier time finding a used one than the brand new 478. I'd say either one is a good choice.

I just went back and took a look at the 478 and there are two models out there. I think that's where the confusion about price is coming from.

A new 358 costs about $310. The 478 that I've been looking at is about $370 and doesn't have the pocket wizard capability. The 478 with pocket wizard capability is about $470. If you're talking about that 478, then yeah, that's a huge price difference.

I don't think I'll buy the 478dr (pocket wizard one) I just bought cactus triggers and don't plan on buying anymore triggers for a long time. I guess it comes down to whether or not I find a good deal on a used 358 (it would have to be less than $200) or get a 478d (non pocket wizard).

Thanks for all of the help.

DSims · 03-03-2013, 01:59 AM

There's nothing wrong with the Sekonics, but my Minolta (happens to be the same model SOldBear is selling) was much less expensive used (on CL) and side-by-side it measures exactly the same readings as my friend's new Sekonic. You can still buy the Minoltas new under the Kenko label Kenko KFM-1100 Auto Digi Meter KFM-1100 B&H Photo Video but why spend that much when so many people are unloading them for cheaper prices?

SOldBear · 03-03-2013, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by DSims

There's nothing wrong with the Sekonics, but my Minolta (happens to be the same model SOldBear is selling) was much less expensive used (on CL) and side-by-side it measures exactly the same readings as my friend's new Sekonic.

Agree. But I couldn't say so at the time because people might think I was biased.

I had a copy of Sekonic L-358 and 2 copies of Minolta Autometer IV F. All three of them gave me the same reading. I decided to keep only a copy of the Minolta because:

1. I have a Minolta 5 degree spot metering attachment, and
2. I could sell the Sekonic for twice I could the Minolta (I did sell it on eBay).

After a few day with no respond, I withdrew the listing for the Minolta here. It's now on eBay: link.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does your K1000 light meter do this...?	Alliecat	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	8	10-03-2012 10:20 PM
Will K5 fix my low-light problems, or do I need fast glass?	CX15	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	27	04-08-2012 12:40 AM
How to meter if you don't have a light meter?	LFLee	Pentax Medium Format	25	02-09-2012 11:45 AM
Do I really now need a light meter?	atomic	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	15	11-15-2011 02:46 PM
advice needed, do i need a light meter?	onallaitau	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	6	11-25-2008 05:29 PM

02-24-2013, 07:42 PM	#16
maxfield_photo Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,216	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by reivax So the wireless only works with Pocketwizard? Does Pocketwizard even make triggers for Pentax? Sekonic meters have a small recess where you can install a Pocket Wizard radio transmitter, or you can buy it preinstalled at the time of purchase. I'm not aware of any other brand of transmitter that can be installed there. The transmitter will allow you to trigger any strobe connected to a Pocket wizard device remotely, and with the 478 model you even have control over the output of certain lights. The basic Pocket Wizard I, II and III are simple center-pin sync triggers, that is, they don't relay any TTL information and so they are brand agnostic, thus they will work with Pentax. Pocket Wizard makes another system called the MiniTT1 which is used in conjunction with the FlexTT5 to give TTL controls to Canon and Nikon flash systems. They send proprietary signals, which allows the camera to adjust the power levels based on the preflash exposure. These are brand specific, there is a Canon TT1 and a Nikon TT1, and a Canon TT5 and a Nikon TT5. I suspect that in order to use the ratio controls of the Sekonic 478, you would need at least the TT5 transceiver and the appropriate speed lights. What I don't know is whether the TT5s will work in manual flash mode. When I got to play with the 478 it seemed like all the exposure controls were in EV steps as they relate to "proper" exposure, i.e. you could set Group A to +1 and Group B to -2, but I didn't find a way to set group A to half power, and group B to quarter power. That would be necessary for the system to work with a Pentax camera since it has no way of communicating "proper" exposure to Canon or Nikon speedlights. It's possible that I just didn't find the way to switch to manual control, it is quite a complex gadget. As far as the 358 vs. the 478, I do like the simplicity of the 358, but the 478 is a considerably more robust unit, and if it's the same price as you say, it would be the better value. It has, to my knowledge, all the features of the 358 plus the above mentioned TTL controls over Canon and Nikon speedlight with the PW system, and it can use the Sekonic camera profiling software to create custom profiles for each lens in your bag. Of course the 358 has been around for a long time, and you'll have a much easier time finding a used one than the brand new 478. I'd say either one is a good choice.

02-24-2013, 08:23 PM	#17
omega leader Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Niagara Region, Ontario Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 417	Pocketwizard and TTL ability means less and less with real strobes vs speedlights. Switching to big lights has been liberating (Dynalite) and I've found that I can still take them out very easily. That being said having a light meter is essential in my opinion. Properly exposed shots are so much easier to deal with in PP.

02-24-2013, 08:55 PM	#18
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826	Originally posted by maxfield_photo As far as the 358 vs. the 478, I do like the simplicity of the 358, but the 478 is a considerably more robust unit, and if it's the same price as you say, it would be the better value. It has, to my knowledge, all the features of the 358 plus the above mentioned TTL controls over Canon and Nikon speedlight with the PW system, and it can use the Sekonic camera profiling software to create custom profiles for each lens in your bag. Of course the 358 has been around for a long time, and you'll have a much easier time finding a used one than the brand new 478. I'd say either one is a good choice. I just went back and took a look at the 478 and there are two models out there. I think that's where the confusion about price is coming from. A new 358 costs about $310. The 478 that I've been looking at is about $370 and doesn't have the pocket wizard capability. The 478 with pocket wizard capability is about $470. If you're talking about that 478, then yeah, that's a huge price difference. I don't think I'll buy the 478dr (pocket wizard one) I just bought cactus triggers and don't plan on buying anymore triggers for a long time. I guess it comes down to whether or not I find a good deal on a used 358 (it would have to be less than $200) or get a 478d (non pocket wizard). Thanks for all of the help.

03-03-2013, 01:59 AM	#19
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	There's nothing wrong with the Sekonics, but my Minolta (happens to be the same model SOldBear is selling) was much less expensive used (on CL) and side-by-side it measures exactly the same readings as my friend's new Sekonic. You can still buy the Minoltas new under the Kenko label Kenko KFM-1100 Auto Digi Meter KFM-1100 B&H Photo Video but why spend that much when so many people are unloading them for cheaper prices?

03-03-2013, 06:31 PM	#20
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by DSims There's nothing wrong with the Sekonics, but my Minolta (happens to be the same model SOldBear is selling) was much less expensive used (on CL) and side-by-side it measures exactly the same readings as my friend's new Sekonic. Agree. But I couldn't say so at the time because people might think I was biased. I had a copy of Sekonic L-358 and 2 copies of Minolta Autometer IV F. All three of them gave me the same reading. I decided to keep only a copy of the Minolta because: 1. I have a Minolta 5 degree spot metering attachment, and 2. I could sell the Sekonic for twice I could the Minolta (I did sell it on eBay). After a few day with no respond, I withdrew the listing for the Minolta here. It's now on eBay: link.